Ignition apparatus.



- S. ALSOPx ,IGNITION APPARATUS.

APPLICATION [LED APR. 13, 19I8.

1,289,595, Patented Dec. 31,1918.

2 SHEETSSHEET l.

i l l Ill Fluucnfo:

S. ALSOP.

IGNITION APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 13. 1918.

1,289,595 Patented Dec. 31, 1918.

2 SHEETS SHEET 2.

Snow Hob $513 allow W1 0 Fig. 7, is a' perspective-and partly sec- To all whom it may concern:

smonn ALsor, on new roam-u. Y.

IGNITION APPARATUS-f Specification of Letters Patent. I

Application niea April 18, 1918., Serial No. aasaor.

Be it known that I, SAMUnL ALsor, a

' citizen of the United States of-America, re

. mounted in place on the intensity of the s invention to be descri insulating housing or support,

adapted tobe carried by siding at New York, N. Y., have invented a new and useful Ignition Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

My present invention relates to ignition. apparatus for gas engines and special objGLtS of the invention are to increase the efiiciency of such systems by adding to the intensity and power of the igniting spark. It is a well known fact that under certain conditions, for instance, when the spark plugs become fouled with carbon they miss fire, resulting in irregular action of the engine. I have found that by increasing ark, by means of the ed, that such failures due to carbonizing or other causes, can be entirely overcome and that greater power can be developed.

Briefly and in a more or less general sense,

the invention may in tubular form and within which is mounted an adjustable plug carrying segments having peripheral portions of different elevations the adjustment of the plug into various'relations with spark lugterminals mounted within the housing. The details of the invention and other featureswill appear as the specificationiprforeeds. y =1;

In the accompanying. drawings I have illustrated my invention embodied in several practical forms but would have it under stood that. these are illustrative in character and maybe modified in various ways without de arture fromthe true spirit and scope of the lnvention.

In said drawings Figure 1 is aIlong1tudinal sectional view illustrating a form of the invention as bile. I v v Fig. 2, is a front view of the same. Figs. 3 and 4 are cross sectional views, the first illustratingthe plug in position with both sets of spark plugs in action and the 59 second illustrating the position with the lefthand 'set of plugs only in operation.

Fig. 5, is .a cross sectional viewillustrating'a modified form of segment construction. 6, is a wiring diagram for v the first form of the invention.

. Eig..8, is a water-tight joint for the housing.

10 designates the so-called housing orsupportlng member which is made of insulating material in cylindrical tubular'formshaving a front open end and a closed rearend.

Patented Dec. 31, 1918.

v v v v l I. broken sectional view of the 11 designates the so-called plug" member which also is shown as made of insulatingmaterial and as cylindrical in form, of a size to rotatably fit within the tubular hous- 'ing.

be said to consist of an the dash of anautomoverse plane.

form of the invention shown formed with a In the forms of the invention illustrated in the first sheet of drawings, there are provided three sets of terminals, one-set of input or in-going terminals 12 and sets of out-put-or out-goin terminals 13', 14 at opposite sides of the rst set of terminals. The in-put terminals 12 are connected with a suitable source of current,'for instance, as

indicated in the diagrammatic'view, Fig. 6

and the out-put terminals of each set are con- .nected wlth a set of spark dicated at 15 and 16 in t e diagrammatic view. These various terminals are shown supported directly on the insulating wall of the tubular housing, having heads 17 exposed to the interior of thehousing and binding posts orsimilar devices 18 at the outside of the housing for connection of appropriate wires therewith. The'terminal heads 17 are shown seated in longitudinal grooves 19 formed in the inner wall of the housing, being thereby disposed substantially flush with the inner cylindrical surface of such housing. V

.The rotatable plug element carries a series ,of metallic segments 20 seated in transverse slots 21 formed in the plug in linewith the terminalsof the different sets, it belng noted 1plugs such as in- I that the in-put terminal and out-put ter- 'minals at opposite sides thereof are in each case all disposed in a single transverse plane so that a single segment. will cooperate with all the terminals in that particular trans- These segments are in the first relatively high rim portion 22 adapted when registered with the terminals to substantially come in contact therewith'and with lowered or reduced portions 23 at opposite sides of such high portion and adapted when registered with the terminals to provide a space or brake. \V hen therefore the plug occupies the position indicated in Fig. 3 the segments will complete circuits to the both sets of spark plugs substantially with contact at the in-going terminals at 22 and with breaks in both the spark plug circuits at 23. This interposition of breaks in both the spark plug circuits provides an intensified spark in both sets of spark plugs which I find especially desirable for high speed where greater power and quicker flame propagation is essential to best results.

A special feature of the segments illustrated is that they are made in laminations or layers which may have a dielectric, such as enamel or oxid therebetween. These laminations provide a plurality of paths for the current and at the same time acting in the capacity of condensers to further intensify the spark produced. By mounting the different segments sufiiciently close together in the insulating plug with dielectric material therebetween, substantially as illustrated, a certain condenser action is also obtained which adds greatly to the efficiency of the apparatus. By turning the plug from the intermediate position illustrated in Fig. 3 to the position indicated in Fig. i one or the other set of spark plugs may be' cut out of circuit as will be apparent.

Any suitable means may be provided for adjusting the plug, such means consisting in the present embodiment of a handle '24 hav: ing a shank 25 of special outline engaged in a corresponding socket 26 in the outer end of the plug, said handle registering on a suitable dial 27, to indicate the relative position of the plug. The device may be supported in position on a dash or other support 28 as by means of bolts 29 passed through from the dial at the front of the dash into engagement with an outstanding flange 30 on the forward end of the tubular housing at the back of the dash.

The housing is preferably made substantially water-tight so as to exclude moisture or other foreign matter from the terminals and cooperating segments. This is accomplished in Fig. l by providing a closure plate 31 which is applied to the open end of the housing after the plug has been inserted therein, said plate having a suitable opening 32 at its center for the shank of the operating handle. This closure plate is preferably permanently securedto the housing as by means of rivets 33 or other suitable securing devices so as to prevent removal of the plug and disarrangementof the cooperating terminals and segments.

A water-excluding joint is provided between the plug and housing in Fig. 1 by making the plug with an outstanding flange the plug and to permit of adjustment to suit different thicknesses of dashboards or supports, the handle may be pivotally supported in the dial as indicated at 36 and be yield-,

ingly confined to said dialas by means of a spring washer 37 and transverse pin or key 38. This construction enables the housing element being applied to the back of the dash and the dial element being applied to the front of the dash, said dial supporting the handle meanwhile until the inner end of the handle shank is properly engaged in the seat provided for it in the plug.

According to one modification as illus trated in Fig. 5, a single break may be provided at the input terminal and the out-put terminals may be in substantially sliding contact with each of the segments in the plug. For this purpose said segments may be formed with anintermediate relatively low or break portion 39 and with relatively high contact portions 40 at opposite sides of said lower portion.

The degree or extent of the breaks may be made adjustable as byconstructing the device as illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8. In this construction there are shown only two sets of terminals, an in-put-set of terminals 12 and a diametrically opposite set of output terminals 13 and the contact segments 41, are more in the nature of plates and are provided with the diametrically opposite relatively high contact portions 42 and with the gradually reduced eccentric portions 43. It will be apparent that by turning the plug in this construction direct contact may be established, or breaks may be inserted in the circuits and varied in extent more or less until the best results are obtained. A spring 45 is shown for forcing the plug outward to mamtain a substantially close water-tight joint in the casing.

The conducting plates or segments may be suitably secured in the plug, one method being illustrated in Fig. 3 wherein a pin 44 of lnsulating material is shownpassed through the several segments and the intervening dielectric portions of the plug. v

By placing two breaks in series with the spark plugs as indicated in Figs. 3 and 8, an intensely hot and powerful spark is produced and by regulation, in the manner described, the best results may be readily obtained.

I claim 1. In electrical ignition apparatus, a tubular insulating support, terminals mounted in spaced relation within said tubular supmesses adapted to be brought into cofiperative relation with said terminals by the movement of the plug member within the tubular sup- 2. In electrical ignitionapparatus, a tubular insulating support, terminals mounted in spaced relation within said support, a plug rotatably engaged within the tubular support and transversely disposed segmental metallic plates seatedin said plugin line with the spaced terminals and having ter- 'minal faces disposed at different distances from the planes of the terminals and adapted to be brought into cooperative relation with the terminals by the rotary movement of the plug. v

3. In electrical ignition apparatus, a tubular insulating support, terminals mounted in spaced relation within said support, a plug rotatably engaged within the tubular su port, transversely disposed segmentalmeta lic plates seated in said plug in line with the spaced terminals and having terminal faces disposed at different distances from the planes of the terminals and adapted to be brought into cooperative relation with the terminals by the rotary movement of the plu and means for rotating the plug and indlcating the relatively rotated positlon of the plug.

4:. In an electrical ignition apparatus, a tubular insulating support, spaced terminals within said insulating support, an insulating plug rotatably mounted within said tubular support, segmental metallic plates mounted transversely in saidplug with dielectric .therebetween, said segmental plates having relatively higher portions for substantial contact with the terminals and lower portions for providing breaks between said terminals and the plates.

5. Inelectrical ignition apparatus, a tubular insulating support, two sets'of terminals mounted in spaced relation within the tubularsupport, a plug member rotatably engaged within the support and transversely disposed metal segments mounted in said plug with dielectric therebetween, said segments having edge portions of different heights for cooperation with the two sets of terminals. j

6. In-e1ectrical ignition apparatus, a tubular insulating support, an iii-going set of -terminals within the tubular support, an

out-going set of terminals within the tubular support, an insulating plug rotatably seated in the tubular support and transversely disposed metal segments mounted in said plug with dielectric therebetween and having terminal faces of difierent heights expo'sed'to the two sets of terminals.

7. In electrical ignition apparatus, a tubular insulating support, an in-going'set of terminals mounted in spaced relation within the tubular support, out-going sets of terminals mounted within the support at opposite sides of the in-going set of terminals, a plug rotatably engagedv within the tubular support and metal segments set in the plug with dielectric therebetween, said segments hav ing break and contact portions respectively adapted to 'be brought into .registry with the difierent sets of terminals in the rotary ad-' justment of the plug; e

8. In electrical ignition apparatus, a tubular insulating housing, independent sets of terminals mounted within said housing in different transverse planes thereof, an insulating plug rotatably engaged within said housing and provided with transverse slots. therein in line with the terminals and transversely disposed metallic segments seated in said slots and having portionsof the rims thereof disposed at different elevations and adapted to be brought into registry with the 7 terminals of the respective sets by the rotary adjustment of the plug.

9. In electrical ignition apparatus a tu-.

bular insulating. housing, independent sets of terminals -mounted within said. housing in diflerent transverse planes thereof, an insulating plug rotatably engaged within said housing 'and provided with transverse slots therein in line with the terminals and transversely disposed metallic segments seated in said'slots and having portionsof the rims thereof disposed at difierent elevations and adapted to be brought into registry with the terminals of the respective sets by the rotary adjustment of the plug, each of said metallic segments consisting rate laminations.

10. In electrical ignition apparatus, a tubular insulating support, an in-going set of of a series of sepaterminals mounted in spaced relation within '1 the tubular support, out-going sets of terminals mounted within the support at opposite sides of the in-going'set ofterminals, a plug rotatably engaged within the tubular support and metal segments set in the plug withv dielectric therebetweemsaid segments each having a relatively low 'p'ortionin the rim thereof and relatively higher portions atlopposite sides of said. lower portionarranged to be brought into registry with the respecs terminals mounted-in spaced relation within the tubular support, outgoing sets of termitive sets of terminals in the rotaryadjustignition apparatus, a tu-' i Y nals mounted within the supportat opposite sides of the in-going set of terminals, a plug-- rotatably engaged thetubular support and metal segments set in the plug with dielectric therebetween, said segments each having arelatively high portion in the rim thereof and relatively low portions at opposite sides of the high portion adapted to be brought into registry with the respective sets of terminals in the rotary adjustment of the plug.

l In an electrical ignition apparatus, a tubular insulating housing, two sets of terminals mounted in spaced relation within said housing, a plug rotatably engaged within the housing and transversely disposed segments mounted in said plug with dielectric therebetween, said segments having eccentric rim portions adapted to be brought into various relations with the two sets of terminals by the rotary adjustment of the lug. 13. In electrical ignition apparatus, a tubular insulating housing open at one end,

different sets of terminals mounted in spaced relation within the housing, a plug insertible within the open end of the hous ing and rotatable therein, contact segments seated in said plug with dielectric therebetween, and adapted to ,be carried into cooperative relation with the difl'erent sets of contacts in the rotar adjustment of the plug and a substantially water-tight closure for the open end of the housing permanently secured to said housing.

14. In electrical ignition apparatus, a tubular insulating housing open at one end,

difierent sets of terminals mounted in spaced relation within the housing, a plug insertible rality of sets of terminals mounted in the insulating wall of the housing exposed at their inner ends within the housing and having external binding posts, a substantially cylindrical plug rotatably engaged within the housing and having transverse slots therein in line with the different sets of terminals, segments consisting each of a set of metal laminations seated in each of the transverse slots and having each portions of different radii for cooperation with the different sets of terminals in variously adjusted positions of the plug and means for rotatably adjusting the plug.

16. In electrical ignition apparatus, a tubular insulating housing having longitudinal grooves in the inner wall thereof, terminals having head portions seated in ,said grooves substantially flush with the inner surface of the housing and a plug rotatably journaled in the housing having transversely disposed metal conducting parts with peripheral portions of different heights for cooperation with the heads of the terminals aforesaid.

17.- In electrical ignition apparatus, a tubular insulating housing, independent sets of terminals mounted within said housing in different transverse planes, an insulating plug rotatably engaged within said housing and transversely disposed metallic contacts mounted in saidpl'ug and consisting each of a set of laminations having rim portions of different elevations for cooperation with the terminals aforesaid.

18. In electrical ignition apparatus, a tubular insulating housing, an insulating plug rotatably engaged therein, condenser plates mounted in said plug with their edges exposed at the rim of said plug and terminals carried by the insulating housing in line with said condenser plates.

19. In combination with the spark plugs of an electrical ignition system, switching mechanism included in the ignition circuit and arranged to place two breaks in series with each spark plug.

SAMUEL ALSOP. 

